Hospice care is a type of care for people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses, when treatment is no longer working. It helps manage pain and symptoms while offering emotional and practical support. In this guide, we explain what is hospice care, how it works, who it’s for, and how to access it.
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What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a type of support given to people who are nearing the end of their lives. It is meant for those with terminal or life-limiting conditions when treatment is no longer aimed at curing but at keeping the person comfortable.
The care focuses on managing pain, easing symptoms, and offering emotional and practical help. Unlike palliative care, which can begin earlier alongside treatment, hospice care is usually offered in the final months.
Hospice care can be provided in different settings:
- At home with help from visiting nurses or carers
- In a dedicated hospice unit
- In care homes or nursing homes, with hospice teams visiting when needed
The aim is to make the person feel as safe, cared for, and comfortable as possible, wherever they choose to be.
What Is a Hospice in the UK?
A hospice is a calm and supportive place for people with terminal or life-limiting conditions. It offers comfort-focused care in a homely setting, with support for both the person and their family.
Environment: Smaller and quieter than a hospital, with private or shared rooms and flexible visiting.
Facilities: May include gardens, family lounges, and overnight rooms for relatives.
Services:
- Pain and symptom management
- Help with washing, dressing, and eating
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Bereavement care for families
Care Team: Nurses, doctors, care assistants, counsellors, social workers, and volunteers work together to support everyone involved.
If hospice care isn’t the right fit, learning about the types of care homes in the UK can guide you toward suitable alternatives.
What Services Do Hospices Offer?
Hospices offer more than just medical care. They provide a full range of services to support comfort, dignity, and peace of mind for both the person receiving care and their family.
| Type of Support | What It Includes |
| Medical Support | Relief from symptoms like pain, breathlessness, or sicknessPain management to stay comfortableCare planning in coordination with the NHS or GP |
| Emotional & Psychological Care | One-to-one counselling for the person and their familySupport for carers before and after deathBereavement services to help families cope with grief |
| Practical & Spiritual Care | Help with legal and financial planning, including wills or advance care wishesSpiritual support, whether religious or not, is based on what matters to the person |
Hospice care looks after the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, so they can feel as settled and supported as possible in their final stage of life.
If you’re comparing costs, you might also wonder if a care home is cheaper than a nursing home. This can help when planning future care needs.
When Is a Person Ready for Hospice?
Knowing when to consider hospice care can be difficult. Many people think it’s only for the final days, but it often starts much earlier.
Someone may be ready for hospice care when:
- They have a life-limiting illness such as advanced cancer, late-stage dementia, or organ failure.
- Symptoms are hard to manage, even with regular treatment.
- Their condition is steadily getting worse, with no cure expected.
- They need support with daily tasks and want comfort over medical intervention.
Is Hospice Care Free in the UK?
Yes, hospice care is generally free at the point of use across the UK. This applies to care provided in hospices, at home, or in care homes.
How Is It Funded?
- Hospices receive partial funding from the NHS.
- A significant portion of funding comes from charitable donations and fundraising efforts.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
- Patients do not pay for essential hospice services, including medical care, nursing, and emotional support.
- Optional donations are welcomed but not required.
- Some additional services, such as private rooms or meals for visitors, may incur charges depending on the hospice.
For more information on hospice care services and funding, you can visit the NHS website or Hospice UK’s guide.
How Long Can You Stay in a Hospice?
There is no fixed time limit for how long someone can stay in a hospice. The length of stay depends on the person’s condition, symptoms, and medical needs.
In many cases, people stay for short periods, especially when they need help managing pain or other symptoms. Once their condition is stable, they might return home with support from a hospice team.
Others may stay longer if their needs are more complex or if they are approaching the final stage of life.
- The median stay in a UK hospice is around two weeks, but it can be shorter or longer, depending on the person.
- Some people receive short-term care to manage a health crisis and then go home again.
- Others receive end-of-life care, staying until they pass away.
- It’s also possible to leave and return to hospice care later if needed.
Hospices work flexibly to support people at different stages, focusing on comfort, dignity, and individual choice.
What to Expect When Someone Enters Hospice?
When someone is referred to hospice care, the process usually begins with a simple assessment. A nurse or doctor will speak to the person (and their family, if needed) to understand their condition, needs, and preferences.
From there, a personal care plan is created, covering medical, emotional, and practical support.
Who Provides the Care?
Hospice care is delivered by a team of professionals, which may include:
- Nurses and care assistants
- Doctors and pain specialists
- Physiotherapists or occupational therapists
- Counsellors, social workers, and trained volunteers
Everyone works together to support the person and their family in a way that’s respectful, gentle, and personal.
The Hospice Setting
Hospices are calm, quiet places designed to feel more like home than a hospital. Rooms may be private or shared, and visiting hours are usually flexible. Many hospices offer gardens, family lounges, and space for overnight visitors.
What Daily Life Looks Like
Daily routines are simple and centred around the person’s comfort:
- Meals are provided and adjusted to their needs
- Medication is given to manage symptoms
- Staff are on hand at all times
- Families are welcome to visit, stay, and take part in care if they wish
Hospice care focuses on making each day as peaceful and meaningful as possible.
Some people may consider care homes instead of hospice. You can compare the pros and cons of care homes to see what suits your situation best.
Where Can You Receive Hospice Care?
Hospice care can be delivered in different settings depending on a person’s needs, preferences, and condition. Here’s a breakdown:
| Location | What to Expect |
| Hospice Building | Suitable for complex needs or 24-hour careCalm, homely setting with medical and emotional support available at all timesAccess to full care team, including nurses, doctors, and counsellors |
| At Home | Ideal for those who prefer familiar surroundingsCommunity hospice teams visit to manage symptoms and offer guidanceFamilies are supported with hands-on help and advice |
| Care Homes or Hospitals | Hospice teams visit to support palliative care already in placeHelps manage symptoms and offers extra emotional supportSuitable for those unable to transfer to a hospice |
Hospice care adapts to the person’s circumstances, offering comfort wherever they are.
When choosing between care settings, understanding the difference between care homes and nursing homes in the UK can help families make informed decisions.
The Role of Families and Carers
Family and carers play a central role in hospice care. Whether the person is staying in a hospice or receiving care at home, their loved ones are often deeply involved in the day-to-day journey.
Why Family Involvement Matters
- Families know the person best and often help with communication, comfort, and emotional support.
- Hospice teams work closely with families, helping them feel included in decisions and care plans.
Support for Carers
- Carers are offered practical help such as advice on moving, feeding, or personal care.
- Hospices provide training and guidance so carers feel more confident at home.
- Many services offer respite options, giving carers time to rest or attend to their own needs.
Emotional Support for Families
- Counsellors and volunteers are available to talk through worries, grief, or exhaustion.
- Bereavement support is often offered after the person has died, helping families adjust and cope in the weeks and months that follow.
Hospice care is not just for the person who is ill, it wraps around the whole family, offering comfort and strength when it’s needed most.
Myths and Misunderstandings About Hospice
Hospice care is often misunderstood. These myths can make families hesitate to reach out for support. In reality, hospice care offers comfort, dignity, and time, often much earlier than people expect.
“Hospice means giving up”
This is one of the most common fears. In truth, hospice is not about giving up, it’s about choosing comfort and quality of life when treatment is no longer helping. It allows people to live as well as they can, with support that’s gentle, respectful, and centred around their wishes.
“You only go to hospice in your final hours”
Many believe hospice is only for the last day or two of life, but this isn’t the case. People may receive hospice care for weeks or even months. Starting early can help manage symptoms, ease worry, and give families more time together.
“It’s only for cancer patients”
Hospice care supports people with many different conditions, not just cancer. This includes:
- Advanced heart failure
- Chronic lung disease
- Late-stage neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or motor neurone disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Liver or kidney failure
Hospice is about the person, not just the illness. Its purpose is to offer support, whatever the diagnosis.
Final Days: Comfort, Dignity, and Support
Hospice care during the final days is centred on peace, dignity, and gentle support for both the person and their family.
| Aspect | What to Expect |
| Care for the Patient | Symptoms are carefully managed to keep the person comfortableThe environment is quiet, calm, and respectfulGentle routines with pain relief, personal care, and rest |
| Support for Families | Staff explain what to expect as the person nears the end of lifeLoved ones are encouraged to spend time in their own waySpace is given for rest, reflection, and being present |
| Emotional & Spiritual Support | Counselling, faith-based or non-religious support availableStaff or volunteers are present to listen or sit with familiesThe final moments are treated with care, dignity, and calm |
How to Access Hospice Care
Hospice care in the UK is widely available and often begins with a simple referral. It’s there to help people feel safe, supported, and comfortable during the final stages of life.
How Referrals Work
- Most people are referred by a GP, hospital doctor, district nurse, or other healthcare professional. They will speak with the patient and family, then connect them with a local hospice service.
- In some areas, self-referral is possible. This means patients or family members can contact the hospice directly, though medical details will still be checked with the person’s GP.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hospice
- Location: Being close to home or family can make visits easier.
- Services: Some hospices offer inpatient stays, while others provide care at home or day support.
- Environment: Look for a calm, welcoming place with helpful facilities like family lounges or garden space.
- Support for families: Many hospices also offer guidance, emotional support, and help after someone has passed.
Support From National Charities
- Marie Curie runs hospices and offers home care and a free support line: 0800 090 2309
- Hospice UK connects families with more than 200 hospices across the country
- Sue Ryder offers palliative care, home support, and help with bereavement
You don’t need to go through this alone, help is available from the very first step.
For those not ready for hospice but needing extra help, assisted living may be an option offering more independence with support.
Conclusion
Understanding what hospice care is can help families feel more prepared when facing difficult decisions. It is not about giving up, it’s about comfort, dignity, and support during the final stage of life.
Hospice care is available across the UK and is usually free. It offers practical help, emotional support, and space for families to spend time together without added worry.
Whether care is given at home, in a hospice, or a hospital, the aim is always the same: to help people live their last days as comfortably as possible.
If you’re considering hospice care or have questions, Metro Care UK is here to listen and guide you through the next steps with respect, care, and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a hospice?
The main purpose of a hospice is to support people who are approaching the end of life. This includes managing pain, easing symptoms, and offering emotional, practical, and spiritual care. Hospices also support families and carers throughout the process.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and may be given alongside treatment. It helps manage symptoms and improve comfort. Hospice care is a type of palliative care offered when treatment has stopped and the person is nearing the end of life.
What are the three types of palliative care?
General palliative care – given by GPs, district nurses, or care staff.
Specialist palliative care – provided by trained teams in hospices or hospitals.
End-of-life care – given in the final days or weeks of life, focused on comfort and dignity.
What are the 7 C’s of palliative care?
The 7 C’s are values that guide palliative care:
1. Care
2. Compassion
3. Communication
4. Commitment
5. Courage
6. Competence
7. Confidence
They help professionals support both the person and their family with respect and sensitivity.
Do most hospice patients die at night?
No, there is no set time when a person will pass away. Death can occur at any time, day or night, and varies for each individual. Hospice teams provide care and support 24 hours a day, making sure the person is comfortable and families are not alone, regardless of the time.